In September 2024, we ran another student workshop as part of ‘Freshers Week’ events at YorkSUaimed at empowering students to become effective allies in tackling inappropriate behaviors such as sexual violence, rape culture, and victim blaming. ‍

Our workshop with the university’s Social Secretaries included being able to identify different forms of sexual violence that can appear in student communities as well as typical perpetrator behaviours to look out for in order to reduce risks of harm and how to run safe socials as an effective ally.

The students participated in interactive discussions about these important issues, engaging in scenario-based activities that helped them recognise problematic behaviours in various contexts around campus.

A big part of the workshop was all about safe intervention techniques. We taught students how to assess a situation to see if it’s safe to intervene, choose the best intervention methods—whether that’s distraction or asking someone else for help—and provide support to anyone affected by inappropriate behaviour, emphasising the importance of empathy and listening.

We also covered the ins and outs of the university's reporting systems. Students learned how to report incidents step by step and who to contact for support, making sure they felt confident navigating these resources.

We also highlighted the crucial role committee members play in ensuring safety and provided practical advice on setting up clear safety protocols, including designated safe spaces and effective communication with attendees.

The workshops successfully empowered students with the knowledge and skills necessary to be effective allies against inappropriate behaviours. The collaborative approach taken in the training not only emphasised individual responsibility but also highlighted the importance of community involvement in creating a safer campus environment.

By empowering students with the knowledge and skills needed to promote safety and prevent harm, YorkSU continues to foster a culture of respect, consent, and accountability within the university community.

If you’re part of a student’s union or university and would like us to work with your staff and/or students on creating a Safe Place, get in touch. Find out more about the work we do with the education sector here.